AN EARTH PRAYER

I AM YOUR MOTHER (EARTH PRAYER)

 

I am your mother: do not neglect me!

Children protect me-I need your trust;

my breath is your breath, my death is your death,

ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

 

I am your nurture; do not destroy me!

Love and enjoy me, savor my fruit;

my good is your good, my food is your food,

water and flower, branches and root.

 

I am your lodging: do not abuse me!

Tenderly use me, soothing my scars;

my health is your health, my wealth is your wealth,

shining with promise, set among stars.

 

The Creator is our maker, do not deny,

challenge, defy or, threaten this place;

life is to cherish, care, or we perish!

I am your mother, tears on my face.

 

Adapted from a prayer by Shirley Erena Murray 1996

 

I found this in a little booklet my mom's Methodist Women's group used last year. All the songs and poems were by women.